**Gimcheon Sangmu faces automatic relegation from K League 1 in 2026 regardless of final position due to its military team status and relocation rules.** After 31 matches, Gwangju FC sits last on 18 points with a -41 goal difference and remains the clearest candidate for direct relegation or play-offs, while Bucheon FC 1995 (32 points) and Gimcheon (33 points) occupy the next spots in the bottom six group. FC Seoul leads comfortably, but the relegation battle centers on whether Gwangju can close the gap or if Bucheon secures safety before the split and final rounds. Remaining fixtures, including bottom-side clashes in late October, will shape outcomes, with K League 2 promotion play-off implications adding complexity if the 12th-placed side enters a promotion/relegation playoff.